Did Ramesh Chennithala Just Demand the Home Ministry Before the New Kerala Chief Minister Swore In?
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) just swept back into power in Kerala with a massive 102-seat win, but the real drama happened behind closed doors right up until the swearing-in ceremony. After a tense 10-day leadership battle, the party high command chose V.D. Satheesan as the new Chief Minister. This decision deeply upset veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala, who was also a top contender for the post and initially skipped key meetings in protest. To prevent a major party feud just as they were taking control, Satheesan and other top leaders held urgent peace talks and offered Chennithala the powerful Home and Vigilance portfolio—a role he previously held from 2014 to 2016.
With the rift resolved, Chennithala officially confirmed that he is joining the 21-member cabinet as the Home Minister. He publicly smoothed things over by stating that it is the collective duty of the new government to provide good governance and fulfill the campaign promises made to the people of Kerala. The new cabinet, which balances seasoned veterans like Chennithala with 14 fresh faces, officially took their oaths of office at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, marking a unified start to Satheesan’s term.
